Impact of antiviral therapy on long-term outcomes in chronic hepatitis B patients

Abstract

Background: Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antiviral therapy has been shown to reduce viral replication, delay disease progression, and decrease the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the long-term impact of antiviral therapy on patient outcomes remains under investigation. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of chronic Hepatitis B patients receiving antiviral therapy, focusing on the incidence of liver-related complications, progression to cirrhosis, and overall survival. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 1,000 chronic HBV patients treated with antiviral therapy over the past 15 years. Data on liver-related complications, progression to cirrhosis, HCC development, and survival rates were analyzed. A control group of 500 chronic HBV patients who did not receive antiviral therapy was included for comparison. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the impact of antiviral therapy on these outcomes. Results: The study found that patients receiving antiviral therapy had significantly lower rates of liver-related complications, progression to cirrhosis, and HCC compared to the control group. The 10-year cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was 12% in the treatment group versus 28% in the control group (p